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If you are an avid video gamer, you can earn extra income by writing video game reviews. These reviews can be submitted to video gaming sites or blogs that will pay set fees for them. Most video gamers like to see games tested and rated before they make a purchase, so the reviews you write will be of benefit to them--as well as to you.

Play the game. Before you can write a review, you have to try the product first. You cannot get by with just reading about the game or watching commercials for it. Playing the game yourself will allow you to properly convey its look and feel. Watching other people play or asking for their opinion won't do; there is nothing like playing on your own to determine your honest and unbiased opinion of the game.

Include the following details in your video game review: 1) the platform used (ex: Xbox, Xbox360, PS2, PS3 or Wii); 2) the name or title of the game (ex: Assassin's Creed, Halo or Gears of War); 3) the manufacturer or publisher of the game (ex: Sony, Microsoft or Sega); 4) the version, if the game has been updated several times (ex: Halo, Halo2 or Halo3).

Give a brief overview or synopsis of the game. Explain the game's format: Is it a war game, an alien vs. human game, a basketball game or a car-racing game? Briefly recap the plot without giving away any surprises at the end. You want the readers to know enough about the game to get curious about it, but you shouldn't spoil their fun.

Mention in your review if the game is single- or multi-player.

Rate the difficulty level. Is the game too easy or too difficult? Can a player change the difficulty level based on his skills or comfort level?

Mention if the game is available to be played live with other players, or just on your own. For example, Halo can be played on Xbox live or by yourself. (This is also called "Campaign.")

Mention any age restrictions, or if the game is rated. Some parents who are looking for games for their kids want to know if what they are buying is age-appropriate.

Mention the length of the game. Is the game too short, or does it seem to drag on for too long before you can reach the next level or the end?

Mention if the game allows you to save where you left off, or if you have to start from scratch every time you have to leave the game.

Tell if you can replay the game over and over again without getting too bored or too tired of it. Will the game allow you to switch the challenges in order to come to a different conclusion?

Mention in your review how comfortable you are navigating within the game. For example, are areas so dark that you cannot see where you are going? How difficult is it to use the gaming remote controls to switch gears or ammunitions in a war game? How easy is it to control a car for racing?

Describe the overall appearance or graphics of the game. Are the images lifelike? Is the computer animation up to par, or is it unrealistic or too cartoony? Are the colors used in high resolution or high definition?

Describe the sound. Do the sound effects seem real? Are the conversations or voices crystal clear? Can you enjoy the audio in surround sound and high definition?

Describe any story sequences in the game. Some games have stories that play out before you can go to the next sequence, adding flavor and interest to the game. It also allows you also a bit of a rest before the next challenge. Are these sequences brief or too long? Are they boring, or do they engage your interest in playing on?

Review the instructions or manuals that came with the game. Tell if they are helpful or something any gamer can do without. With some games, there is a separate gaming manual you have to buy to help you pass other challenges. Mention if such a manual is needed for the game you are reviewing, or if there is no need to get one.

Give an overall rating and summary. You may want to rate the game from 1 to 5 stars. Summarize your overall experience and make your final recommendation to the readers: Should they go out and buy the game or pass on it?

Tip

You may also want to recommend if the game is one that the readers should buy to add to their collection, or just rent and return after a few plays.

Items you will need

Gaming consoles/platforms

Video games

Gaming magazines

About the Author

Josienita Borlongan is a full-time lead web systems engineer and a writer. She writes for Business.com, OnTarget.com and various other websites. She is a Microsoft-certified systems engineer and a Cisco-certified network associate. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in medical technology from Saint Louis University, Philippines.